US20050109969A1 - Stem construction for rotatable valve body - Google Patents
Stem construction for rotatable valve body Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20050109969A1 US20050109969A1 US10/958,308 US95830804A US2005109969A1 US 20050109969 A1 US20050109969 A1 US 20050109969A1 US 95830804 A US95830804 A US 95830804A US 2005109969 A1 US2005109969 A1 US 2005109969A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- valve
- stem
- splines
- stem portion
- valve stem
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
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Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16K—VALVES; TAPS; COCKS; ACTUATING-FLOATS; DEVICES FOR VENTING OR AERATING
- F16K31/00—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices
- F16K31/44—Mechanical actuating means
- F16K31/60—Handles
Definitions
- This invention relates to rotatable valves used to control fluid flow through a device and, in particular, to a unique stem configuration associated with the rotatable valve which creates a rigid connection between the valve handle and valve member.
- Rotatable valves are traditionally used to control the flow of fluids between a fluid source and a fluid device. Such valves may simply provide for turning the flow on or off or for controlling the flow rate according to the degree of rotation.
- Prior known valves have included ball valves and barrel valves.
- the conventional valves will include a rotatable valving member disposed in a valve chamber having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet.
- the valve member will include an inlet and outlet which can be aligned with the chamber inlet and outlet to block or permit flow through the valve.
- the inlets and outlets can be axially aligned or may be disposed at an angle to each other.
- valve handle which is connected to the valve member.
- the handle will be connected to a valve stem which extends out of the valve chamber.
- the handle can be attached to the stem in many ways but must be capable of transmitting rotational torque through the stem to the valve member.
- simple fasteners have been used to connect the handle to the valve stem. Such a connection is suitable in applications where a large diameter stem member was used or the external member was metallic.
- valve assemblies which require increased rotational torque to rotate the valve member simple connections can fail leaving the user without the ability to manipulate the valve.
- the valve stem may flex, twist or strip all together. This is particularly a concern in valve assemblies which are not frequently actuated and the member tends to “stick” in the chamber.
- the present invention overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art by providing a valve stem construction for a rotatable valve body which maximizes the rotational torque that can be transmitted by the valve handle to the stem and valve member.
- Fluid valves are being constructed of increasingly complex materials in order to provide the necessary sealing capabilities as well as withstand the mechanical forces applied to such valves.
- the valve stem is molded of a stronger material.
- the valve stem and barrel may be banded together through a dual molding process or by other known methods to allow the valve stem to transmit rotation applied through the handle to the valve body.
- the valve stem of the present invention is provided with a unique construction to eliminate flexure or twisting of the stem while transmitting the rotational torque applied through the handle.
- the stem has a substantially cylindrical configuration configured to mate with the handle.
- the stem includes a plurality of concave splines formed longitudinally along the stem and spaced on the periphery of the stem.
- the splines formed on the stem are designed to mate with similarly configured splines on the valve handle such that as the stem is matingly received within the handle, the circumferentially spaced splines engage. In this manner, rotational torque applied to the handle by the user is transmitted through the splines to the valve stem for rotational operation of the valve.
- the splines are configured and spaced on the periphery of the stem to provide ease of mating engagement with the handle and to minimize twisting, flexure and breakage of the stem even under increased rotational torques.
- three concave splines are formed on the stem. Rather than be equally spaced on the circumference of the stem, two of the three splines are formed closer together creating a larger gap with the third spline thereby providing orientation and alignment with the inlet and outlet.
- the individual spline grooves are formed with an expended chamfer at their outer end to facilitate insertion of the handle spline.
- An interior end of each of the splines tapers to a narrower diameter in order to create an interference fit with the handle spline.
- the stem also includes an axial bore for receiving a fastener used to secure the valve handle to the stem.
- FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of a valve member embodying the valve stem construction of the present invention
- FIG. 2 is an end perspective view of the valve member
- FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the valve stem
- FIG. 4 is a lateral cross-sectional view of the valve taken along lines 4 - 4 in FIG. 3 .;
- FIG. 5 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the valve stem taken along lines 5 - 5 in FIG. 3 .
- valve member 10 adapted to selectively control fluid flow through a valve (not shown).
- the valve member 10 disclosed herein is a barrel-type valve member 10 having a barrel shaped valve body 12 through which fluid flows.
- the valve body 12 will include a fluid inlet 14 and a fluid outlet 16 which are adapted to be aligned with inlets and outlets of the valve to control flow.
- the present invention will be described in conjunction with a barrel-type valve member, alternative configurations will also be applicable to the present invention.
- a stem construction 20 used to manipulate the valve member 10 within the valve.
- the stem 20 and valve body 12 may be molded as a single component.
- the valve member 10 is molded in two operations allowing the valve body 12 to be molded of a softer material more conducive to sealing within the valve and the stem construction is molded of a more rigid material in order to withstand the rotational torque associated with manipulation of the valve member 10 .
- the stem 20 could be simply attached to the valve body 12 or the components can be sequentially molded in a dual molding process.
- the stem construction 20 of the preferred embodiment includes a base portion 22 which engages the valve body 12 and a stem portion 24 extending from the base portion 22 .
- the stem portion 24 has a substantially cylindrical configuration to facilitate mating with a valve handle 26 .
- the valve handle 26 being used to manipulate the valve member 10 within the valve.
- the stem portion 24 includes an axial bore 28 adapted to receive a fastener used to secure the handle 26 to the valve member 10 .
- the stem construction 20 has a unique configuration which facilitates transmission of rotational torque from the valve handle 26 to the valve member 10 while minimizing flexure and twisting of the stem portion 24 .
- a plurality of concave splines 30 is formed in the outer surface 32 of the stem portion 24 .
- the splines 30 are circumferentially spaced on the stem portion 24 and extend longitudinally along at least part of the stem portion 24 .
- the splines 30 are open at an upper end 34 of the stem portion 24 to allow insertion of similarly configured keys on the valve handle 26 .
- the arrangement could be reversed such that the splines are formed within the valve handle 26 and the stem portion 24 is formed with mating keys.
- the splines 30 include a chamfer 36 creating an opening larger than the diameter of the splines 30 to facilitate insertion within the handle 26 .
- a lower end of the splines 30 tapers to a reduced diameter 38 to create an interference fit with the handle 26 .
- the splines 30 are formed with a concave angle A which creates a spline wall capable of transmitting rotational torque while preventing “stripping” of the splines 30 .
- the splines 30 are arranged on the outer surface 32 of the stem portion 24 so as to maximize the transmission of torque to the stem 20 and the valve member 10 without twisting or breakage. In some cases, these types of valves can remain unused for several years. Such idleness can cause the valve member 10 to stick requiring increased torque to rotate the valve member 10 .
- the stem portion 24 may twist or break under such torque.
- the preferred embodiment of the invention includes three splines 30 circumferentially arranged on the stem portion 24 . Rather than being equally spaced on the outer surface 32 , two of the splines 30 are closer to each other than the third spline 30 .
- first and second splines 30 are arranged only 90° apart and the third spline 30 is spaced 135° from the first and second splines 30 .
- Alternative non-symmetrical arrangements of the splines 30 may be employed although it has been determined that the foregoing arrangement provides the most efficient combination for transmitting the rotational torque.
- the preferred orientation also provides alignment of the valve handle 26 with the inlet and outlet of the valve 10 .
- the mating profile of the stem portion 24 also creates an orientation feature for positioning the handle 26 on the stem 20 .
Abstract
Description
- This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/524,195 filed on Nov. 21, 2003.
- I. Field of the Invention
- This invention relates to rotatable valves used to control fluid flow through a device and, in particular, to a unique stem configuration associated with the rotatable valve which creates a rigid connection between the valve handle and valve member.
- II. Description of the Prior Art
- Rotatable valves are traditionally used to control the flow of fluids between a fluid source and a fluid device. Such valves may simply provide for turning the flow on or off or for controlling the flow rate according to the degree of rotation. Prior known valves have included ball valves and barrel valves. The conventional valves will include a rotatable valving member disposed in a valve chamber having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. Similarly, the valve member will include an inlet and outlet which can be aligned with the chamber inlet and outlet to block or permit flow through the valve. The inlets and outlets can be axially aligned or may be disposed at an angle to each other.
- Manipulation of the valve member is facilitated by a valve handle which is connected to the valve member. Specifically, the handle will be connected to a valve stem which extends out of the valve chamber. The handle can be attached to the stem in many ways but must be capable of transmitting rotational torque through the stem to the valve member. In the past, simple fasteners have been used to connect the handle to the valve stem. Such a connection is suitable in applications where a large diameter stem member was used or the external member was metallic. Additionally, in valve assemblies which require increased rotational torque to rotate the valve member, simple connections can fail leaving the user without the ability to manipulate the valve. Furthermore, in prior known valve members which require substantial rotational torque, the valve stem may flex, twist or strip all together. This is particularly a concern in valve assemblies which are not frequently actuated and the member tends to “stick” in the chamber.
- The present invention overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art by providing a valve stem construction for a rotatable valve body which maximizes the rotational torque that can be transmitted by the valve handle to the stem and valve member.
- Fluid valves are being constructed of increasingly complex materials in order to provide the necessary sealing capabilities as well as withstand the mechanical forces applied to such valves. In order to prevent fluid leakage past the valving member, it is desirable to mold the valve member of a softer material which seals within the valve chamber. In order to transmit rotational movement, the valve stem is molded of a stronger material. The valve stem and barrel may be banded together through a dual molding process or by other known methods to allow the valve stem to transmit rotation applied through the handle to the valve body.
- The valve stem of the present invention is provided with a unique construction to eliminate flexure or twisting of the stem while transmitting the rotational torque applied through the handle. The stem has a substantially cylindrical configuration configured to mate with the handle. The stem includes a plurality of concave splines formed longitudinally along the stem and spaced on the periphery of the stem. The splines formed on the stem are designed to mate with similarly configured splines on the valve handle such that as the stem is matingly received within the handle, the circumferentially spaced splines engage. In this manner, rotational torque applied to the handle by the user is transmitted through the splines to the valve stem for rotational operation of the valve.
- The splines are configured and spaced on the periphery of the stem to provide ease of mating engagement with the handle and to minimize twisting, flexure and breakage of the stem even under increased rotational torques. In a preferred embodiment, three concave splines are formed on the stem. Rather than be equally spaced on the circumference of the stem, two of the three splines are formed closer together creating a larger gap with the third spline thereby providing orientation and alignment with the inlet and outlet. The individual spline grooves are formed with an expended chamfer at their outer end to facilitate insertion of the handle spline. An interior end of each of the splines tapers to a narrower diameter in order to create an interference fit with the handle spline. The stem also includes an axial bore for receiving a fastener used to secure the valve handle to the stem.
- Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.
- The present invention will be more fully understood by reference to the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the present invention when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawing, in which like reference characters refer to like parts throughout the views and in which:
-
FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of a valve member embodying the valve stem construction of the present invention; -
FIG. 2 is an end perspective view of the valve member; -
FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the valve stem; -
FIG. 4 is a lateral cross-sectional view of the valve taken along lines 4-4 inFIG. 3 .; and -
FIG. 5 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the valve stem taken along lines 5-5 inFIG. 3 . - Referring first to
FIGS. 1 and 2 , there is shown avalve member 10 adapted to selectively control fluid flow through a valve (not shown). Thevalve member 10 disclosed herein is a barrel-type valve member 10 having a barrel shapedvalve body 12 through which fluid flows. Thevalve body 12 will include afluid inlet 14 and afluid outlet 16 which are adapted to be aligned with inlets and outlets of the valve to control flow. Although the present invention will be described in conjunction with a barrel-type valve member, alternative configurations will also be applicable to the present invention. - Extending from the
valve body 12 is astem construction 20 used to manipulate thevalve member 10 within the valve. In one embodiment of the present invention, thestem 20 andvalve body 12 may be molded as a single component. In a preferred embodiment, thevalve member 10 is molded in two operations allowing thevalve body 12 to be molded of a softer material more conducive to sealing within the valve and the stem construction is molded of a more rigid material in order to withstand the rotational torque associated with manipulation of thevalve member 10. Thestem 20 could be simply attached to thevalve body 12 or the components can be sequentially molded in a dual molding process. - Referring now also to
FIGS. 3 through 5 , thestem construction 20 of the preferred embodiment includes abase portion 22 which engages thevalve body 12 and astem portion 24 extending from thebase portion 22. Thestem portion 24 has a substantially cylindrical configuration to facilitate mating with avalve handle 26. Thevalve handle 26 being used to manipulate thevalve member 10 within the valve. Thestem portion 24 includes anaxial bore 28 adapted to receive a fastener used to secure thehandle 26 to thevalve member 10. - In accordance with the present invention, the
stem construction 20 has a unique configuration which facilitates transmission of rotational torque from thevalve handle 26 to thevalve member 10 while minimizing flexure and twisting of thestem portion 24. A plurality ofconcave splines 30 is formed in theouter surface 32 of thestem portion 24. Thesplines 30 are circumferentially spaced on thestem portion 24 and extend longitudinally along at least part of thestem portion 24. Thesplines 30 are open at anupper end 34 of thestem portion 24 to allow insertion of similarly configured keys on thevalve handle 26. Of course, the arrangement could be reversed such that the splines are formed within thevalve handle 26 and thestem portion 24 is formed with mating keys. Preferably, thesplines 30 include achamfer 36 creating an opening larger than the diameter of thesplines 30 to facilitate insertion within thehandle 26. A lower end of thesplines 30 tapers to a reduceddiameter 38 to create an interference fit with thehandle 26. Thesplines 30 are formed with a concave angle A which creates a spline wall capable of transmitting rotational torque while preventing “stripping” of thesplines 30. - The
splines 30 are arranged on theouter surface 32 of thestem portion 24 so as to maximize the transmission of torque to thestem 20 and thevalve member 10 without twisting or breakage. In some cases, these types of valves can remain unused for several years. Such idleness can cause thevalve member 10 to stick requiring increased torque to rotate thevalve member 10. Thestem portion 24 may twist or break under such torque. The preferred embodiment of the invention includes threesplines 30 circumferentially arranged on thestem portion 24. Rather than being equally spaced on theouter surface 32, two of thesplines 30 are closer to each other than thethird spline 30. By way of example, first andsecond splines 30 are arranged only 90° apart and thethird spline 30 is spaced 135° from the first andsecond splines 30. Alternative non-symmetrical arrangements of thesplines 30 may be employed although it has been determined that the foregoing arrangement provides the most efficient combination for transmitting the rotational torque. The preferred orientation also provides alignment of the valve handle 26 with the inlet and outlet of thevalve 10. The mating profile of thestem portion 24 also creates an orientation feature for positioning thehandle 26 on thestem 20. - The foregoing detailed description has been given for clearness of understanding only and no unnecessary limitations should be understood therefrom as some modifications will be obvious from the scope and spirit of the appended claims.
Claims (20)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/958,308 US7178786B2 (en) | 2003-11-21 | 2004-10-05 | Stem construction for rotatable valve body |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US52419503P | 2003-11-21 | 2003-11-21 | |
US10/958,308 US7178786B2 (en) | 2003-11-21 | 2004-10-05 | Stem construction for rotatable valve body |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20050109969A1 true US20050109969A1 (en) | 2005-05-26 |
US7178786B2 US7178786B2 (en) | 2007-02-20 |
Family
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Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US10/958,308 Active 2025-03-09 US7178786B2 (en) | 2003-11-21 | 2004-10-05 | Stem construction for rotatable valve body |
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US (1) | US7178786B2 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20170299193A1 (en) * | 2016-04-19 | 2017-10-19 | Actek S.R.L. | Control device for gas ovens |
Families Citing this family (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US8746656B2 (en) * | 2011-10-13 | 2014-06-10 | Alexander Yeh Industry Co. Ltd. | Auxiliary operative handle of rotational bathing faucet |
US9234606B2 (en) | 2013-03-11 | 2016-01-12 | Kohler Co. | Transverse handle assembly for a valve |
US9151405B2 (en) * | 2013-03-11 | 2015-10-06 | Kohler Co. | Transverse handle assembly for a valve |
US9845861B1 (en) * | 2016-05-26 | 2017-12-19 | GM Global Technology Operations LLC | Rotatable assembly including a coupling interface |
US10443743B2 (en) | 2017-11-14 | 2019-10-15 | Brasscraft Manufacturing Company | Rotary plug valve |
US10774946B2 (en) | 2018-05-17 | 2020-09-15 | Kohler Co. | Handle connection systems and methods |
US11365829B2 (en) * | 2018-12-12 | 2022-06-21 | Parker-Hannifin Corporation | Flow control valve |
Citations (16)
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US3570810A (en) * | 1969-01-31 | 1971-03-16 | Wallace Murray Corp | Faucet valve |
US3712338A (en) * | 1970-11-20 | 1973-01-23 | Kinemotive Corp | Assemblies of precision-fitted relatively movable components and method for manufacturing the same |
US3788601A (en) * | 1972-06-21 | 1974-01-29 | Milwaukee Faucets | Non-rise valve for faucets or the like |
US3831621A (en) * | 1973-11-19 | 1974-08-27 | Union Brass & Metal Mfg | Rotary slide valve |
US4092085A (en) * | 1975-10-07 | 1978-05-30 | Aqua-Marine Mfg. Limited | Faucet assembly |
US4445529A (en) * | 1981-08-31 | 1984-05-01 | Speakman Company | Adjustable valve handle |
US4961443A (en) * | 1989-12-12 | 1990-10-09 | Kohler Co. | Handle assembly |
US5046528A (en) * | 1989-10-31 | 1991-09-10 | Manska Wayne E | Stopcock valve |
US5076540A (en) * | 1990-05-14 | 1991-12-31 | Brass-Craft Manufacturing Company | Stop valve |
US5671904A (en) * | 1996-09-09 | 1997-09-30 | Minutillo; Richard A. | Valve safety handle |
US5695169A (en) * | 1996-06-28 | 1997-12-09 | Brass-Craft Manufacturing Company | Stop valve with sturdy handle connection |
US5741003A (en) * | 1997-05-13 | 1998-04-21 | Emhart Inc. | Child-resistant handle |
US5924676A (en) * | 1995-10-23 | 1999-07-20 | Emhart Inc. | Valve assembly |
US6016830A (en) * | 1996-04-15 | 2000-01-25 | Emhart, Inc. | Valve assembly |
US6076554A (en) * | 1998-06-17 | 2000-06-20 | H-Tech, Inc. | Multiport plug valve with selectable port exclusion |
US6666227B2 (en) * | 2002-01-18 | 2003-12-23 | Kohler Co. | Adjustable valve assembly |
-
2004
- 2004-10-05 US US10/958,308 patent/US7178786B2/en active Active
Patent Citations (16)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3570810A (en) * | 1969-01-31 | 1971-03-16 | Wallace Murray Corp | Faucet valve |
US3712338A (en) * | 1970-11-20 | 1973-01-23 | Kinemotive Corp | Assemblies of precision-fitted relatively movable components and method for manufacturing the same |
US3788601A (en) * | 1972-06-21 | 1974-01-29 | Milwaukee Faucets | Non-rise valve for faucets or the like |
US3831621A (en) * | 1973-11-19 | 1974-08-27 | Union Brass & Metal Mfg | Rotary slide valve |
US4092085A (en) * | 1975-10-07 | 1978-05-30 | Aqua-Marine Mfg. Limited | Faucet assembly |
US4445529A (en) * | 1981-08-31 | 1984-05-01 | Speakman Company | Adjustable valve handle |
US5046528A (en) * | 1989-10-31 | 1991-09-10 | Manska Wayne E | Stopcock valve |
US4961443A (en) * | 1989-12-12 | 1990-10-09 | Kohler Co. | Handle assembly |
US5076540A (en) * | 1990-05-14 | 1991-12-31 | Brass-Craft Manufacturing Company | Stop valve |
US5924676A (en) * | 1995-10-23 | 1999-07-20 | Emhart Inc. | Valve assembly |
US6016830A (en) * | 1996-04-15 | 2000-01-25 | Emhart, Inc. | Valve assembly |
US5695169A (en) * | 1996-06-28 | 1997-12-09 | Brass-Craft Manufacturing Company | Stop valve with sturdy handle connection |
US5671904A (en) * | 1996-09-09 | 1997-09-30 | Minutillo; Richard A. | Valve safety handle |
US5741003A (en) * | 1997-05-13 | 1998-04-21 | Emhart Inc. | Child-resistant handle |
US6076554A (en) * | 1998-06-17 | 2000-06-20 | H-Tech, Inc. | Multiport plug valve with selectable port exclusion |
US6666227B2 (en) * | 2002-01-18 | 2003-12-23 | Kohler Co. | Adjustable valve assembly |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20170299193A1 (en) * | 2016-04-19 | 2017-10-19 | Actek S.R.L. | Control device for gas ovens |
US10168054B2 (en) * | 2016-04-19 | 2019-01-01 | Actek S.R.L. | Control device for gas ovens |
Also Published As
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US7178786B2 (en) | 2007-02-20 |
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